Teaching course is spared in cutbacks [Independent.ie]
- Published: 22 November 2010
THE Government is not cutting back on the number of postgraduate places for primary teacher training, the Irish Independent has learnt.
Education Minister Mary Coughlan has given the go-ahead for 200 places on an annual postgraduate course, which starts in February.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) allows graduates from different disciplines to study for a further 18 months to become primary school teachers.
Education circles had been rife with fears that the current climate would have meant a reduction in the number of places available. Instead the go-ahead for the diploma is being taken as a signal that education may be spared the worst in the Budget.
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) welcomed the announcement, saying the move would calm fears.
An increase in the pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) in primary schools, which would mean fewer teachers, has been under discussion ahead of the Budget.
Any deterioration in PTR would mean reneging on a commitment given in the revised Programme for Government.
INTO general secretary Sheila Nunan said it sent a signal that the Government intended to honour the commitment on PTR in the Programme for Government.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
